How China’s coronavirus response may shape the future of its flagship Belt and Road Initiative

Beijing’s leading infrastructure development role may begin to look different as public health needs shape policies of partners, analysts say

European diplomat suggests notion of ‘health silk road’ could cover up Beijing’s mistakes in handling early stages of coronavirus outbreak

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Commuters in Beijing head to work – health officials are watching as China reports a fall in the number of new coronavirus cases. Photo: AP

Published: 6:00am, 21 Mar 2020Updated: 9:21pm, 22 Mar 2020

China is extending efforts to engage with Belt and Road Initiative nations over the coronavirus outbreak that has disrupted its connectivity strategy.

Some observers said the crisis posed a challenge to China’s flagship global infrastructure investment strategy because the coronavirus threat exposed economic and human risks to it, while others said it may mean increased demand for Beijing’s cooperation in partner countries’ public health systems. One suggested health would be a natural extension of Beijing’s partnerships.

The outbreak, which was first reported in Wuhan, central Hubei province, towards the end of last year, has seriously disrupted China’s diplomatic and economic programme.

Although some Chinese factories have resumed production, those in other nations, such as Vietnam, said they were still affected as they could not get raw materials from Chinese suppliers, sparking calls for less reliance on China.

In health, China has consolidated its leading role among belt and road partner nations as the coronavirus outbreak has spread. World Health Organisation (WHO) data showed more than 200,000 people were infected, with Italy being the hardest hit in terms of fatalities.

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